Expert links tanning beds, skin cancer

'It’s been recognized as a carcinogen in humans by the FDA. It’s like smoking'

Published: 01/30/2013 at 8:20 PM

(WCCO-TV) New data from the Health Department shows skin cancer is on the rise in Minnesota. Melanoma rates rapidly increased from 2005 to 2009.

The new data shows melanoma skin cancer increased by 38 percent for women during that time, and 35 percent for men.

Doctors say it is a combination of a lot of things, but over-exposure to the sun and tanning beds are a big part of the increase.

“I do go tanning. I actually used to work in a tanning salon. But I feel like just to keep a little bit of color in your skin isn’t horrible for you,” said Rachel Fuller.

The American Suntanning Association feels the same way. In fact, they say research done by health care providers is flawed. They accuse researchers of going so far as intentionally burning patients in tanning beds.